Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI China: International competition highlights health care tech

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A humanoid robot performs at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    With interest in physical well-being continuing to grow, health care-related projects became a highlight at the final of the 8th Zhongguancun International Advanced Technology Competition (ZGC ATECH) held in Beijing on March 28 during the Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference. Often dubbed China’s Silicon Valley, Zhongguancun is a leading tech hub in Beijing, fostering innovation and global collaboration.

    The competition featured over 3,000 projects from 75 countries and regions, showcasing the latest technological advancements in various fields. Half of the 10 finalists were overseas projects. 

    A focus on health care across the tech sector was clearly reflected in the fact that eight out of the 10 finalists and five of the top six places were projects aimed at solving major health issues.

    First place was awarded to Rossum Robot Technology based in Beijing for its self-developed robotic system for the treatment of fractures. 

    The two second-place awards went to Beijing-based NanoInsights’ new-generation smart optical microscopy imaging solution and Hopstem Biotechnology’s induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell therapies used for treating strokes and other central nervous system diseases. 

    The three third-place awards were given to Suzhou-based Geek Gene’s innovative T-cell drug, Hangzhou-based Westlake Therapeutics’ red blood cell-based therapy that overcomes immunotherapy resistance to treat solid tumors, and Beijing-based QCraft’s automatic driving solution.

    Other finalists covered 5D printing and more health-related fields, namely smart nano-optic endoscopy, autologous dendritic cell therapy for type 1 diabetes, and brain-computer interfaces.

    The high proportion of health-related technologies in the final coincides with a surging health and wellness sector powered by rising public interest in physical well-being. According to an industry-specific report released by China Consumers Association last year, the health and wellness sector in China was expected to generate 9 trillion yuan ($1.2 trillion) in revenue by the end of 2024. 

    Hosted by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science Park, a high-tech hub in China, the ZGC ATECH has helped tech startups to present their cutting-edge technologies and attract partners and investors to further technological exploration and business expansion. 

    The eighth ZGC ATECH featured two categories. The first was for technological innovation and was divided into 14 sub-categories, including artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, biomedicine, industrial internet of things, new energy, and general aviation. The second focused on special expertise in five sub-categories of artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) large model, smart connected vehicles, industrial software, smart hospitals and wellness technology. Besides the 10 finalists, each sub-category produced a top-10 list of projects in their specific field.

    At the award ceremony after the final, five of the prize-winning enterprises and teams signed cooperation deals with industrial parks in Beijing, becoming part of an empowering ecosystem.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Repeal of 7AA puts child wellbeing first

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has welcomed the passing of legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act by Parliament.

    The Bill’s passing will enable Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children and its frontline staff to focus first and foremost on the safety and wellbeing of children when creating care arrangements, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour.

    “This Bill will allow Oranga Tamariki to focus on its primary duty first, which is the care and protection of young people, making sure they are safe from harm.

    While Section 7AA was well-intended, it also resulted in children being put second.  As the responsible Minister I could not accept or excuse this fact.

    We can no longer deny that section 7AA has led to confusion and conflict in a system that cannot afford to get such crucial care decisions wrong.

    What happens now, what happens in practice to these young people, matters.

    These children’s lives are not lived in theories or in the comfort of academia or privilege. The harm that comes their way is not academic, it is real,” says Ms Chhour.

    Frontline staff and many select committee submitters have shared that section 7AA has led to decisions that were not in the best interests of the child in cases where the race of a child was prioritised over their safety and well-being.

    “This created a conflict for Oranga Tamariki when making decisions in the best interests of the child or young person.

    “This Bill does not stop the consideration of cultural wellbeing of children and young people in the care of Oranga Tamariki, nor will it result in the end of strategic partnerships between iwi and Māori organisations and Oranga Tamariki.

    “I want to make clear that this Bill does not negate the importance of cultural connections for children and young people. What the Bill does is creates clarity in decision-making so that safety is indeed the paramount consideration for each and all children and young people.

    I have no issue with looking to whānau, hapū, or iwi as a solution for placements, when appropriate, but safety must come first every single time and sadly that has not always been the case,” says Ms Chhour.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal, Carson, Schakowsky, Welch Reintroduce Bill to Restore UNRWA Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) has re-introduced H.R. 2411, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act, with Rep. André Carson (IN-07), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Senator Peter Welch (VT). This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). 

    The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of last year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack. 

    Following the United Nations’ investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.  

    Humanitarian aid and supplies have not entered the Gaza Strip since March 2, when the Israeli authorities imposed a siege. Reports show that supplies are depleting at alarming rates, which could cause deaths from malnutrition and starvation. Several bakeries have already shut down after running out of cooking gas, and the U.N. World Food Programme reports that its flour supplies can only support bread production for five more day. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable.

    “For decades, UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “The organization’s on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensuring that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment, in Gaza. Permanently revoking funding for UNRWA will unquestionably lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza and throughout the Middle East. We must restore U.S. funding to UNRWA to ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives have the necessary resources to continue their irreplaceable work.”

    “The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. We need to end this blockade and restore full humanitarian funding to UNRWA. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”

    “For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians throughout the Middle East, providing food, clean water, health care, shelter, education, and livelihoods. UNRWA has provided essential support to those in Gaza throughout the Israel-Hamas war and dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding last year and our allies have long ago resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and finally resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” said Congresswoman Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.”

    “Since day one of this conflict, UNRWA has proven to be the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza. It is unacceptable that the funding pause has gone on this long—the civilian populations of Gaza and the West Bank are paying the price. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to intensify, support for humanitarian aid is more important than ever,” said Senator Welch. “Congress must pass this legislation to ensure UNRWA can safely deliver humanitarian assistance to starving women, children, and families desperate for food, medicine, and shelter.”

    Below is a list of all endorsing organizations:

    National Organizations: 99 Coalition, American Friends Service Committee, Amnesty International USA, Amnesty International USA, Carolina Peace Center , Historians for Peace and Democracy, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Center for Constitutional Rights, Center for Constitutional Rights, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Center for International Policy Advocacy, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Charity & Security Network, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), CODEPINK, Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Provinces, Demand Progress, Doctors Against Genocide, DSA, End Wars Working Group of Progressive Democrats of America , Episcopal Peace Fellowship Palestine Israel Network, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Friends Committee on National Legislation , Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), George Devendorf, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Health Advocacy International, Hindus for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, IfNotNow Movement, International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), International Refugee Assistance Project, J Street, Jahalin Solidarity, Jahalin Solidarity, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Justice4palestinians, MADRE, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Medglobal , Middle East Democracy Center (MEDC), Migrant Roots Media, MoveOn, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Advocates, Muslims United PAC, National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, National Council of Churches, New Jewish Narrative, No Dem Left Behind , Nonviolent Peaceforce, NRC USA, Partners for Progressive Israel, Pax Christi USA, Peace Action, Poligon Education Fund, Presbyterian Church, (USA), Office of Public Witness, Quincy Institute, ReThinking Foreign Policy, ReThinking Foreign Policy, RootsAction.org, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas – Justice Team, Terre des hommes Lausanne, The Borgen Project, The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP), United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), UNRWA USA National Committee, USCPR Action, Win Without War, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, US Section (WILPF US), Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation 

    State and Local Organizations:  Al Otro Lado, Atlanta Multifaith Coalition for Palestine (AMCP), Barry University, Brooklyn For Peace, Carolyn Eisenberg, Ceasefire Now NJ, Christian Jewish Allies for a just peace for Israel Palestine, Church Women United in New York State, Delawareans for Palestinian Human Rights, Florida Peace & Justice Alliance, FOSNA Pittsburgh , Greater Dayton Peace Coalition, Houston for Palestine Coalition, Indiana Center for Middle East Peace, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, MARUF CT (Muslim Advocacy for Rights, Unity, and Fairness), Massachusetts Peace Action, Minnesota Peace Project, Muslim Justice League, Nebraskans for Peace Palestinian Rights Task Force, NorCal Sabeel, Oasis Legal Services, Peace Action Maine, Peace Action WI, Peace Action WI, Peace, Justice, Sustainability NOW!, Peace, Justice, Sustainability, NOW!, Progressive Democrats of America – Central New Mexico, Progressive Democrats of America- Central New Mexico, Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom DC-Metro Action Group, The Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church USA, Bay Area, UPTE Members for Palestine, Valley View Presbyterian Church, Voices for Justice in Palestine, YUSRA

    Issues: Foreign Affairs & National Security

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on the Closure of Seattle’s Department of Health and Human Services Office

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    SEATTLE, WA – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) released the following statement regarding information that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be closing its Seattle field office, resulting in the termination of hundreds of employees.

    “The HHS Region 10 Seattle Field Office serves Americans in Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska — a collective population of nearly 15 million people. The office and its staff work with state and local organizations and governments to keep communities safe, healthy, and informed. Now, President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have decided to shutter the Seattle Field Office, fire its staff, and abandon the millions who rely on its services.

    “These cuts are dangerous, reckless, and pointless. The staff at HHS field offices are not political — they are dedicated civil servants who have spent their careers focusing on helping people and communities access critical resources to promote food safety, provide employment services, support children and seniors who are food insecure, and deal with substance use and mental health disorders. They facilitate care during natural disasters, ensure health care standards and requirements are being met, and provide services to the 272 federally recognized tribes in Region 10. HHS also acts as the local liaison for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and helps administer the Head Start program, whose Seattle office is also being closed.

    “We should be working to strengthen these resources, not diminish them, especially as the cost of health care continues to rise. These ‘cost-saving cuts’ from Trump continue to be nothing other than chaotic layoffs and the destruction of programs that help to support families and communities.

    “I will do everything in my power to reverse this closure and support the workers and communities that relied on this office.”

    Issues: Health Care, Jobs, Labor, & the Economy

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Statement on the Unlawful Abduction and Deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ranking Member of the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding the abduction and deportation of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia by the Trump Administration, which has since admitted that he was accidentally picked up due to an ‘administrative error’:

    “Whether it is Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, Khalil Mahmoud, Alfredo Juarez, Lewelyn Dixon, Fabian Schmidt, Ranjani Srinivasan, or Rebecca Burke, the Trump administration is out of control with indiscriminate, and often illegal actions, in the name of so-called immigration enforcement. They have been disappearing people from their homes in the middle of the night, kidnapping people in the middle of the street, deporting individuals to prison camps, and flagrantly violating people’s human, civil, and due process rights.

    “In one of the most jaw-dropping of these cases, Mr. Abrego Garcia, a father who fled gang violence and was granted legal protection in the United States, was mistakenly deported to a Salvadoran gulag. Now, the administration claims they have no legal recourse to remove him from the Cecot mega-prison, a facility that reportedly allows no visits from family, no letters from home, and only lets people out of their cells for 30 minutes a day.

    “Even as the administration has admitted this terrible miscarriage of justice, Vice President Vance has continued to go on Twitter and spread false information about the deportation. It is simply outrageous that the administration refuses to require the release of an individual it mistakenly deported even as it pays El Salvador $6 million a year in taxpayer dollars to illegally imprison people in violation of people’s fundamental due process rights.

    “Every American should be both deeply concerned about what this means for our country and deeply ashamed of the pain and terror that we are putting innocent people and their families through. This also begs the question of all of us, who will be next? As the administration continues reaching back into the most shameful periods of our country — including the imprisonment of people of Japanese descent during WWII — to find legislative avenues to detain and deport immigrants, we must work to overturn archaic laws like the Alien Enemies Act.

    “I will continue demanding for the release of Mr. Abreo Garcia, and all immigrants detained without the due process they deserve.”

    Issues: Civil Rights, Immigration

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI China: Development of new markets to cater to growing silver economy

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    With over 20 percent of the nation’s population over the age of 60, China is seeking to capitalize on consumption in the “silver economy” by opening up new markets to cater to their needs and contribute to economic growth.

    Chen Yanming, 59, a semiretired man from Huangshan, Anhui province, will gradually phase out work in the next few years. In his increasing spare time, he’s started cycling, a pursuit that takes up a few hours at weekends and on which he has so far spent nearly 10,000 yuan ($1,400) on related equipment and accessories.

    “Many of my peers spend money on their hobbies or leisure, like tourism or dance classes. I think people over 50, like me, have gradually changed our view of life,” said Chen. “I used to live a very plain life and kept the idea of saving money in my mind, but I gained little sense of happiness. My daughter persuaded me to do something I like without concern for money, as long as it’s within reach.”

    The central government has tried to develop the silver economy in recent years with the aim of tackling the aging problem in a positive way and incubating new economic growth points, and also bettering people’s livelihoods and life quality.

    The 2025 Government Work Report stressed the importance and necessity of improving supportive policies for elderly care services and the development of the silver economy. A recent guideline released by the State Council in January focuses on bettering elderly care services and mentions the nation’s plan to develop the silver economy.

    “The silver economy has a very promising future,” Liu Ming, an official from the National Development and Reform Commission, said at a recent news conference. “The nation has an increasing community of elderly people who have needs for suitable products and services, and also the willpower to consume. The elderly, especially those born after 1960, have stronger desires and ability for consumption, and their consumption views and preferences have gradually overlapped with younger people, who consume to please themselves.”

    He said the commission has channeled efforts to encourage local authorities and companies to innovate and develop products catering to the needs of seniors, and to release supportive financial guidelines to secure the high-quality development of the silver economy.

    A report by the China Association of Social Welfare and Senior Service and the Contemporary Social Service Research Institute in December, said the silver economy accounted for 7 trillion yuan ($965 billion), roughly 6 percent of the nation’s GDP. The number will reach 30 trillion yuan by 2035 and account for up to 10 percent of the GDP, the report said.

    “Chinese elderly people have transferred their focus from basic living to self-development. They have needs not only for food, clothes and housing, but healthcare, leisure and entertainment,” said Jin Li, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice-president of the Southern University of Science and Technology in Guangdong, in an interview at the two sessions in March.

    He noted the growing population of elderly people who are 60 or 70 and still full of energy leading active lifestyles.

    “When we talk about the silver economy, we are probing into the issue showing the human touch of a civilization. The question of how to get old in an elegant way requires the satisfaction of physical needs and also spiritual nourishment,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Slammed by tariffs and defence demands, Japan and South Korea toe a cautious line with Trump

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Maslow, Associate Professor, International Relations, University of Tokyo

    Two months into US President Donald Trump’s second term, the liberal international order is on life support.

    Alliances and multilateral institutions are now seen by the United States as burdens. Europe and NATO are framed as bad business, “ripping off” the US. On his so-called “Liberation Day”, Trump also imposed 20% tariffs on all European Union imports.

    The Trump administration has been far less critical of the US’ alliances in the Indo-Pacific region. On a visit to Tokyo this week, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described Japan as America’s “indispensable partner” in deterring Chinese aggression.

    Yet, Japan and South Korea fared even worse than the EU with Trump’s new tariffs. Trump slapped Japan with 24% tariffs and South Korea 25%. (Both countries enjoy a trade surplus with the US.)

    So, how are the US’ two main allies in the Indo-Pacific dealing with the mercurial US leader? Will they follow Europe’s lead in reassessing their own security relationships with the US?

    Japan: a positive summit but concerns remain

    America’s post-war security strategy in Asia differs from Europe. While NATO was built on the premise of collective defence among its members, the US adopted a “hub-and-spokes” model in Asia, relying on bilateral alliances to contain the spread of communism.

    Japan and South Korea have long sheltered under the US nuclear umbrella and hosted major US military bases. Both are also highly sensitive to changes in the US’ Indo-Pacific policies.

    Japan, in particular, has a long history of careful alliance management with the US, epitomised by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s courting of Trump.

    During Trump’s first term in office, Abe’s policy goals aligned closely with the US: transforming Japan’s security posture to make it a serious military and diplomatic power. Japan increased military spending, lifted arms export restrictions and deepened ties with India and Australia.

    Prime Minister Fumio Kishida continued to raise Japan’s security profile from 2021-24, again increasing military spending and taking a tough line on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He emphasised “Europe today could be Asia tomorrow”.

    His successor, Shigeru Ishiba, had a successful summit with Trump in February, immediately after his inauguration. The joint statement reaffirmed US security guarantees to Japan, including over the Senkaku Islands, which are claimed by China.

    Japan also agreed to import American liquefied natural gas, and later committed to working with South Korea to develop a US$44 billion (A$70 billion) plan to export LNG from Alaska.

    However, these positive developments do not mean the relationship is on firm ground.

    In early March, Trump complained the US-Japan security agreement signed in 1960 was “one-sided” and a top administration official again called for Japan to increase its defence spending to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) – a huge increase for a country facing serious demographic and fiscal pressures.

    Reports also emerged the US was considering cancelling a new joint headquarters in Japan aimed at deeper integration between US and Japanese forces.

    South Korea: extremely vulnerable on trade

    South Korea faces similar pressures. Ties between the two countries were strained during Trump’s first term over his demand South Korea increase the amount it pays to host US forces by
    nearly 400%. A 2021 agreement restored some stability, but left Seoul deeply worried about the future of the alliance.

    South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has expressed a desire to strengthen ties with the US, though Trump has reportedly been cool to his advances.

    With a US$66 billion (A$105 billion) trade surplus with the US, South Korea is considered the country most vulnerable to trade risk with the Trump administration, according to a Swiss research group.

    Trump’s past suggestions that both South Korea and Japan develop nuclear weapons or pay for US nuclear protection has also rattled some nerves. As confidence in the US alliance erodes, both countries are engaging in an urgent public debate about the possibility of acquiring nuclear weapons.

    Tensions moving forward

    Potential for conflict is on the horizon. For example, Tokyo and Washington are set to renegotiate the deal that dictates how much Japan pays to host US troops next year.

    Both allies pay huge sums to host US bases. South Korea will pay US$1.14 billion (A$1.8 billion) in 2026, and Japan pays US$1.72 billion (A$2.7 billion) annually.

    A trade war could also prompt a reassessment of the costs of US efforts to decouple from China, potentially leading to closer economic ties between Japan, South Korea and China. The three countries have agreed to accelerate talks on a trilateral free trade agreement, which had been on hold since 2019.

    Another challenge is semiconductors. Japan’s new semiconductor revitalisation strategy is prioritising domestic investment, raising questions about whether Trump will tolerate “friendshoring” if Japan diverts investments from the US.

    In 2024, Japan outspent the US in semiconductor subsidies (as a share of GDP), while Taiwan’s TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, expanded its production capacity in Japan.

    Seoul remains an important partner to Washington on semiconductors. Samsung and SK Hynix are both boosting their investments on new semiconductor plants in the US. However, there is now uncertainty over the subsidies promised to both companies to invest in America under the CHIPS Act.

    Ultimately, the strength of these alliances depends on whether the Trump administration views them as long-term bulwarks against China’s rise in the region, or merely vassals that can be extorted for financial gain.

    If the US is serious about countering China, its regional alliances are key. This would give Japan and South Korea some degree of leverage – or, in Trump terms, they’ll hold valuable cards. Whether they get to play them, however, depends on what Trump’s China policy turns out to be.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Slammed by tariffs and defence demands, Japan and South Korea toe a cautious line with Trump – https://theconversation.com/slammed-by-tariffs-and-defence-demands-japan-and-south-korea-toe-a-cautious-line-with-trump-244172

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Australia doesn’t care about me’: women international students suffering alarming rates of sexual violence

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Tarzia, Professor and Co-Lead of the Sexual and Family Violence Program at the Department of General Practice & Primary Care, The University of Melbourne

    Unai Huizi Photography/Shutterstock

    Every year, more than 700,000 international students leave their homes to study in Australia.

    Around half are women.

    For most of these students, the experience is positive. Many choose to remain in Australia for employment or migration.

    However, for others, what should be a dream opportunity is shattered by experiences of violence.

    An unsafe space for some

    Australia has long been regarded as a safe society. However, international students’ safety was questioned in 2009 after a series of attacks on Indian students, and again in 2020 when a survey of 6000 students revealed a quarter had experienced racist abuse during the COVID pandemic.

    Addressing these issues is important.

    For women international students, violence can also be gender-based, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence.

    These issues facing women international students have mainly been overlooked by institutions, government policies and services, despite causing enormous harm to health and wellbeing.




    Read more:
    ‘They eat snacks during class and swing on chairs’: the worrying, sexist behaviour of some young men at uni


    Our research

    In our recent project, we examined the sexual and intimate partner violence experiences of women international students in Australia.

    For the past few years we have been running a national survey of students focused on “health, relationships, consent and wellbeing”.

    The survey was offered in five languages other than English (Mandarin, Hindi, Portuguese, Vietnamese and Nepali). It referred to “unwanted sexual experiences” rather than talking about “sexual assault”, to try to reduce participant discomfort.

    A total of 1491 students responded nation-wide. Nearly one-third were born in China, 10% in the Philippines and 10% in India, reflecting the major international student groups currently studying in Australia.

    Most (82%) had a first language other than English.

    Our findings suggest both sexual violence and intimate partner violence are common among women international students. More than 40% had experienced at least one incident of sexual violence since arriving in Australia.

    One in five had experienced forced or coerced sex. More than 45% who had ever been in a relationship had experienced intimate partner violence in the 12 months prior to the survey.

    Almost all of this violence was perpetrated by men.

    It’s important to note this was not a representative sample in the statistical sense, because students volunteered to take part. However, our findings are still concerning.

    International students are by no means the only group affected by sexual and intimate partner violence. Both are widespread in Australia, including among domestic students.

    The 2021 National Student Safety Survey found one in six students had experienced sexual harassment since starting university, and one in 20 had been sexually assaulted.

    Less is known about intimate partner violence, but research suggests it is also common.

    In the wider Australian community, sexual violence affects around one in five women over the age of 15. One in four report intimate partner violence.

    What else did we discover?

    We also looked at what factors might be linked to this violence against women international students.

    We found students who experienced financial stress, housing insecurity, and low social support were more likely to report both sexual violence and intimate partner violence.

    In an earlier study for this project, we interviewed 30 international students about their experiences seeking help after sexual or intimate partner violence.

    Many felt socially isolated and had no-one to turn to. Support from tertiary education providers was mixed and students worried about their visa being cancelled.

    Often, they did not tell their families back home what had happened for fear of causing shame or distress.

    Multiple barriers such as cost, ineligibility for services, and confusion about the complex health and legal systems in Australia prevented them from accessing support privately.

    Some felt: “Australia doesn’t care about me”.

    Some positive steps, but more is needed

    Last month, the federal government launched the National Student Ombudsman as part of its national action plan addressing gender-based violence in higher education.

    The government has also recently unveiled the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence, outlining expectations and standards for addressing the issue.

    These are positive changes.

    However, international student voices have not been heard in the development of these, or other policies and guidelines focused on gender-based violence in higher education.

    Recommendations addressing the specific needs of international students are lacking.

    There is an urgent need to tackle the structural challenges faced by international students when seeking help.

    Our findings suggest tertiary education providers could be doing more to keep women international students safer. Culturally appropriate, trauma-sensitive education around consent and relationships, delivered in-language, is important.

    But this on its own is not enough.

    International students experiencing financial stress or housing insecurity need to be supported to avoid increasing their risk of gendered violence. Strategies could be put into place to build social connection, so students are less isolated when they arrive in Australia.

    At government levels, subsidised social support, health and welfare services need to be made available and without restrictions to all international students.

    We need to take our duty of care towards international students’ health, wellbeing and safety more seriously.

    International education is Australia’s largest services export, contributing about A$51 billion in 2023-24.

    It’s in our interest to better support international students to study safely in Australia.

    The authors would like to acknowledge the input of Dr Adele Murdolo from the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health for this article.

    Laura Tarzia receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and The Australian Research Council for her research addressing sexual and reproductive violence.

    Helen Forbes-Mewett receives funding from the Australian Research Council, DHSS and DFAT for her work on international students and migrant communities.

    Ly Tran receives funding from the Australian Research Council, DFAT and Department of Education for her work on international students, geopolitics and student mobilities, the New Colombo Plan, staff professional development in international education and graduate employability in Vietnam.

    Mandy McKenzie receives funding from the Australian Research Council

    ref. ‘Australia doesn’t care about me’: women international students suffering alarming rates of sexual violence – https://theconversation.com/australia-doesnt-care-about-me-women-international-students-suffering-alarming-rates-of-sexual-violence-252610

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Statement on Trump’s Recession Day

    Source: {United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bobby Scott (3rd District of Virginia)

    Headline: Scott Statement on Trump’s Recession Day

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on countries across the world:

    “President Trump’s across-the-board tariffs are reckless and will raise costs on Americans without making the long overdue investments in American manufacturing capacity that would create jobs. This carelessness is a new chapter in his trade wars, that have no rules and no alliances and will just create more chaos and instability.

    “President Trump was elected based on his promise to immediately lower costs for families, but economic experts have said cost will go up as a direct result of these tariffs. Economic experts have also warned us how President Trump’s tariffs and other economic policies risk throwing the economy into a recession. Instead of working with Democrats to protect workers and invest in America, Trump and Republicans are slowing our economic growth and accelerating inflation.” 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Democrats Demand Explanation for “Disturbing Arrest and Detention” of Tufts University Student

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) led over 30 lawmakers in writing to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, demanding information about the arrest and detention of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk and similar incidents across the country.

    “The Administration should not summarily detain and deport legal residents of this country merely for expressing their political views. Absent compelling evidence justifying her detention and the revocation of her status, we call for Ozturk’s release and the restoration of her visa,” wrote the lawmakers

    A total of 34 lawmakers signed the letter. In addition to Sens. Warren and Markey and Rep. Pressley, the following members joined in signing: Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), along with Representatives Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Don Beyer (D-Va.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii).

    On March 25, 2025, Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested on her way to a Ramadan dinner event by masked, plainclothes officers. Surveillance video shows officers loading Ozturk into an SUV and departing in three unmarked vehicles. Bystanders observed that the incident “looked like a kidnapping.”

    For almost 24 hours, Ozturk’s location was unknown and her lawyer could not locate her. On the afternoon of March 26, more than twelve hours after a district court judge ordered the federal government not to remove Ozturk from Massachusetts without at least 48 hours’ notice, ICE’s locator system was updated to show that she was being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center.

    This arrest appears to be one of the latest examples in a string of ICE arrests of university students with valid green cards and visas, seemingly on the basis of their political views. Ozturk was one of four authors of a 2024 op-ed in the Tufts student paper, which called for the university to “engage with and actualize” Israel- and Palestine-related resolutions passed by the university’s Student Senate.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the Administration will deny visas to those who “participate in that sort of activity,” referring to protest movements on campuses. Following Ozturk’s arrest, Tufts was informed that her “visa ha(d) been terminated” — similar to other recent cases in which ICE agents have declared, without a judicial or administrative hearing, that they were “terminating” or “revoking” students’ green cards and visas.

    The lawmakers asked the Departments of Homeland Security and State, along with ICE, to provide explanations for Ozturk’s arrest and visa revocation; her transportation to Louisiana despite a court order; officials’ use of unmarked vehicles, face coverings, and plain clothing; the federal government’s policies for terminating a student’s visa without a request from a university; and more. 

    Text of Letter (PDF) .

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer: Trump Is “Liberating The American People From Their Savings”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) yesterday spoke during a press conference on Trump’s upcoming tariff announcement, held by Democrats on the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee after House Republicans abruptly cancelled votes for the week and fled town.

    The press conference featured U.S. Representatives Linda Sanchez, Don Beyer, Suzan DelBene, and Jimmy Panetta; Sanchez is the Ranking Member of the Trade Subcommittee, and Beyer, DelBene, and Panetta introduced legislation to block Trump’s destructive tariff rampage, which is wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy.

    Video of Beyer’s remarks is available here, and his remarks follow below.

    The last time we tried this tariff policy, we got ten years of the Great Depression.

    This is really stupid public policy.

    And it’s no surprise that the Republicans are leaving this afternoon. I wouldn’t want to be here for “Liberation Day.”

    [Trump is] going to be “liberating” the American people from their savings. “Liberation Day,” these 25% tariffs, are going to be the largest tax increase in American history.

    Peter Navarro the other day estimated at $600 billion.

    It’d be one thing if the $3,900 in extra costs that every American family is going to pay would do something useful, but it’s going to try to fund the [Trump tax cuts] for the richest Americans.

    We’ve heard all these different reasons for the tariffs. Most of them are contradictory, but I’m not going to address any of them because they’re all in bad faith. None of them are what this is really about.

    Trump likes tariffs because he’s a bully. He likes him because he’s authoritarian, because they make him feel important, because he doesn’t realize that it actually costs real people real money.

    Make no mistake – these tariffs are going to wreck our economy.

    Already we’re seeing manufacturing numbers are down. Inflation expectations are up. Consumer confidence is plunging.

    Stock markets are down almost 8% since he took office. And we just had the worst quarter in the last three years, after a very strong fourth quarter.

    This is a guy who couldn’t care less about us. He says “I don’t care if prices go up.”

    He clearly does not care, because they’re going to go up a lot.

    I was a car dealer for 46 years. This is going to wreak havoc in the international auto place that we have, where cars and parts come from all over assembled here. They’re shipped from here to all over.

    And this – I think Ronald Reagan may have said it best, not the first to say it, but: “no one wins a trade war.”

    This is dumb policy.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene Blasts Trump’s Massive Tax Increase on American Families, Businesses

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, issued the following statement on President Trump’s latest round of sweeping tariffs that will raise prices on American consumers.

    “President Trump just imposed a massive tax increase on American families and businesses. His trade war against countries, including our allies, will be devastating with high prices, fewer jobs, a stock slump, and fewer markets to sell American products. Americans will pay the price for Trump’s biggest round of tariffs yet at the grocery store, the gas pump, and the pharmacy counter.

    “Over half of all imports are industrial inputs that support American manufacturing. Businesses will feel the squeeze from this announcement with higher overhead costs and fewer markets to sell their products. This is especially true in Washington where two-in-five jobs are tied to trade and some manufacturers fear being ‘tariffed out of business,’ as a Washington small business owner recently told me.

    “The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to impose taxes on the American people, and Congressional Republicans must hold votes on whether to keep these tariffs in place or rein in these abuses. Republicans used to agree that Congress sets tax and trade policy back when President Biden was in office but have fallen silent now that Trump is in the White House. They are bending over backward to avoid taking tough votes while Americans pay the price.”

    Background

    • On March 4, Trump put a 25% tariff on imported goods from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China (which he later doubled to 20% and then delayed portions of).
    • In response, DelBene and other top House Democrats introduced resolutions to terminate President Trump’s illegal use of “emergency” authorities that he used to impose the tariffs. The resolutions would have forced a vote that would make clear if lawmakers support Trump’s “emergency” tariffs on Canada and Mexico. 
    • On March 11, House Republicans snuck a provision in a procedural measure that avoided that vote.
    • DelBene previously introduced the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, the Congressional Trade Authority Act, the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act, and the Reclaim Trade Powers Act to rein in Trump’s abuses of tariff powers under IEEPA, Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, and Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, respectively. 
    • On March 12, Trump put a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • On March 26, Trump put a 25% tariff on autos (cars and trucks).
    • On March 29, Trump said he “couldn’t care less” if automakers raised prices because of new tariffs.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: EIT event brings nocturnal world of moths to light | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    1 day ago

    A joint event hosted by EIT and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council gave people a rare glimpse into the nocturnal world of moths.

    The nighttime event, held at Pekapeka Wetland Regional Park in February to celebrate World Wetlands Month, highlighted the insects’ vital role in New Zealand ecosystems.

    EIT Environmental Studies graduate Ryan Bauckham and Environmental Management Lecturer Dr Amelia McQueen led the event. Amelia said the evening was an eye-opener, particularly for adults who initially attended for their children’s benefit but soon became fascinated themselves.

    EIT Environmental Studies graduate Ryan Bauckham shared his knowledge of moths at an event at Pekapeka Wetland Regional Park. Photo/Amelia McQueen.

    “Some adults brought their kids thinking they’d be most excited, but they quickly became just as engrossed,” she said.

    A highlight of the evening was Ryan’s impressive collection of pinned moths, displayed in glass cases to illustrate their diverse colours, shapes, and sizes. Even more captivating were the live moths attracted by special lights, revealing vibrant colours and intricate patterns.

    Among those observed was Hygraula nitens, known as the pond moth, which lays eggs underwater and spends most of its lifecycle among aquatic plants. Another intriguing species was the flax notch maker (Ichneutica steropastis), whose larvae create distinctive V-shaped notches along harakeke leaves.

    The event also explored how native New Zealand plants evolved to attract moths, their primary pollinators. Amelia said that many native plants have small, white, often fragrant flowers specifically designed to attract nocturnal insects.

    “White flowers are more visible at night, and their scent draws in moths. These insects play a crucial role in pollinating native plants, supporting entire ecosystems,” she said.

    Amelia says attendees described the evening as “engaging” and “fascinating,” and each received a custom-made moth badge, created by EIT’s IDEASchool.

    Beyond the public event, Ryan and Amelia are conducting ongoing research studying moth diversity in remnant podocarp forests across Central Hawke’s Bay. Funded by Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay and EIT, the research aims to document local moth species and explore how habitat quality influences their populations.

    Ryan has spent months conducting meticulous fieldwork, often working late nights documenting moth activity in forests such as Otaia/Lindsay’s Bush, Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve and several QEII blocks. The study is among the first in Hawke’s Bay to investigate the relationship between forest size, ecological health, and moth diversity.

    “We still don’t fully know what moth species exist in these forests. This research is critical for future conservation and management efforts,” Amelia said.

    Data collection will conclude by mid-April, with findings analysed throughout the year. A research paper or detailed report is expected either late this year or early next year, with results shared among stakeholders including the Department of Conservation, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council and landowners.

    Given the event’s success, Amelia said more public sessions may be planned in the coming months.

    “We’ve already had requests to do this again,” she said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 2025 Ria McBride Public Service Award

    Source: Leadership Development Centre

    Ria McBride Public Service Award applications open 1 April.

    The Ria McBride Public Service Award helps women currently working in the New Zealand Public Service to progress their career aspirations through tertiary study. The recipient of the 2025 Ria McBride Award will receive funding up to $15,000 for study purposes to use over a five-year period.

    The Ria McBride Public Service Award is sponsored by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission and is administered by the Leadership Development Centre (LDC).

    The spirit of the Award is to support women who demonstrate personal fortitude and leadership potential, and who generally haven’t had the opportunity or means to pursue or complete tertiary study. This lack of formal qualifications may have prevented such applicants from progressing their leadership contribution to the Public Service.

    Visit our Ria McBride Public Service Award page to:

    • find out more about the award and who is eligible to apply, and
    • download an application form.

    BACK to homepage

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Announces Staff Changes, Promotions, Trump Admin Appointments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty

    WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) today announced 22 additions and changes to his staff over the last year, as well as 14 of his staff appointed to serve in the Trump Administration. 

    “I’m pleased to welcome several additions to my staff and announce well-deserved promotions for others,” said Senator Hagerty. “I’m confident that my exceptional team will soar to even greater heights with new expertise and experience. At the same time, I’m deeply proud of my close advisors and alumni who have been appointed to serve in the Trump Administration. I look forward to all we will accomplish in the coming years together.”

    Lucas Da Pieve is now serving as Legislative Director. Da Pieve has served as the Deputy Legislative Director and Projects Manager, handling all budgetary and appropriations matters for Senator Hagerty, since 2021. Previously, he was the Director of Digital Response in the Office of Presidential Correspondence during the first Trump Administration and as Deputy Legislative Director and Projects Manager for Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN). He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Da Pieve is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and his family has lived in Blount County since 2008.

    Nate Kinard will serve as General Counsel to Senator Hagerty, and advise the Senator regarding judicial nominations, constitutional matters, and artificial intelligence. Previously, Kinard was a shareholder at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, specializing in business litigation and appeals. Kinard received his law degree summa cum laude from William & Mary Law School. A native of Chattanooga, Kinard majored in Political Science and Piano Performance at Vanderbilt University.

    Sloan McDonagh is now serving as Policy Advisor and Senior Counsel in Senator Hagerty’s Washington, DC office. McDonagh previously served as Senior Counsel to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He is a graduate of Hillsdale College and Emory University School of Law.  

    Christy Charbonnet is now serving as Scheduler for Senator Hagerty’s Washington, DC office. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston in Systems Engineering and has been with the Senator since the fall of 2023.

    Emma Morris will serve as Deputy Director of Operations and Scheduling for Hagerty. Morris previously served as the Senator’s Deputy Scheduler. She graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Political Science. She is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. 

    John DiGravio is now serving as Legislative Assistant to Senator Hagerty, advising him on the Banking Committee portfolio. He previously served as Legislative Aide to the Senator and as an aide to the Senate Banking Committee. DiGravio holds a B.A. from Williams College and was raised in Austin, Texas.

    Luke Harris has been named Legislative Assistant to Hagerty assisting in the Agriculture, Energy, and Transportation portfolio. Harris is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

    JT Isaacs has been named Legislative Assistant to manage all general budget and appropriations matters for Hagerty. He also manages the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Pensions, and Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. He previously served as Legislative Aide for Hagerty. Isaacs received a Bachelor of Science in Economics degree from the University of Kentucky.

    Matthew Venoit will serve as Policy Advisor to Senator Hagerty. Prior to the Senate, Venoit worked at Goldman Sachs in both New York and Hong Kong. He holds a B.S. from Penn State University and graduate degrees from KU Leuven and Georgetown University.

    Jillian Cantrell is now serving as Legislative Aide to Hagerty assisting in the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Pensions, and Veterans’ Affairs portfolio. Cantrell previously served as Legislative Correspondent and Staff Assistant. She is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, where she received Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Biology and Politics. She is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

    Cole Bornefeld is now serving as a Legislative Aide to Hagerty, assisting in the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Rules portfolio. Bornefeld previously served as a Legislative Correspondent in Hagerty’s Office. He graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and public relations. He is a native of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

    Melissa Stooksbury has been serving as Deputy State Director since February 2024 based in the Nashville, Tennessee office. Prior to this role, she served in the office of Congressman Tom Cole, most recently as Communications Director. Stooksbury was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

    Ethan Finley now serves as a Legislative Correspondent to Senator Hagerty within the Banking Committee Portfolio. Finley previously worked as a field organizer for Tim Sheehy’s 2024 Senate Campaign. Before that, he worked as an Investment Banking Analyst at Evercore. Finley also has experience as an analyst in private equity and wealth management. He graduated from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in Financial Economics.

    Zach Brooks currently serves as the Southeast Tennessee Field Representative for Senator Hagerty, a role he has held since April 2024. Before his tenure with Senator Hagerty’s office, Brooks was the Investor Development Director at the Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, focusing on membership growth and community engagement. Born and raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, Brooks graduated from Cleveland High School in 2010. He pursued higher education at Lee University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 2014 and a Master of Business Administration in 2019.

    Gabby Gardner serves as the Nashville Field Representative for Senator Hagerty, where she works closely with community leaders, elected officials, and industry stakeholders across Middle Tennessee. Prior to this role, she served as a Clerk in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Gardner is a proud graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

    Ford Hawkins is now serving as the Jackson, Tennessee Field Representative. He previously served with the Young Republicans before joining Olin/Winchester Ammunition, where he worked as a ballistician before joining Hagerty’s office. Hawkins is a West Tennessee native, and he attended the University of Mississippi, holding a bachelor’s degree in History.

    Jonathan White is now serving as the West Tennessee Field Representative. After graduating high school, White served four years active in the U.S. Navy before graduating with his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Mississippi. He has also worked for the American Legion and interned for the Northern District of Mississippi U.S. Attorney’s Office.


    Jake Netterville
    is now serving as Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty in the Washington, DC office. Netterville recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Louisiana State University and is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Prior to joining Senator Hagerty’s office, Netterville worked as a federal analyst at The Picard Group. 

    Cecilia Ann Hutton is now serving as a Staff Assistant in Senator Hagerty’s Washington, DC office. She recently graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History.

    Steven Behringer is now serving as a DoD fellow for Senator Hagerty. Behringer is an active-duty Marine who is fluent in both Mandarin and Korean, and has extensive experience evaluating military and cyber threats in the INDOPACOM region. He is a native of Baltimore, Maryland.

    Blake McMahon is now serving as a National Security Fellow for Senator Hagerty. McMahon has held a variety of Executive Branch roles related to aerospace, defense, and intelligence issues. He received a PhD from the University of California, San Diego and a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State.

    James Santos is serving as a National Security Fellow. Santos comes from the Office of Director of National Intelligence, where he worked on a range of national security issues, covering policy development and program management matters. He graduated from Michigan State University, and holds a Master’s degree in Accounting. He was born in Manila, Philippines and hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan.  

    Serving in the Trump Administration

    Adam Telle is nominated to lead the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Telle has served as Hagerty’s Chief of Staff over the last four years and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. Telle served during the first Trump Administration as the White House’s Senate lead in its Office of Legislative Affairs.  Prior to that role, Telle served as the top staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Homeland Security and as the top policy advisor to the late Senator Thad Cochran. Telle holds degrees in computer science and journalism from Mississippi State University.

    Luke Pettit is nominated to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Institutions. Pettit has served as Senator Hagerty’s Senior Policy Advisor and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. Previously, he worked at the Senate Banking Committee, Bridgewater Associates, and the Federal Reserve. Luke holds a B.A from the University of Pennsylvania, and graduate degrees from the London School of Economics and Johns Hopkins University.

    Daniel Zimmerman has been nominated to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. Zimmerman currently serves in a Congressional Executive Fellowship in the office of Senator Hagerty and will continue to serve Hagerty while his nomination is pending before the Senate. He previously has held many roles in the agency realm, and holds both a bachelor’s degree from Asbury University and a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky.

    Julia Hahn is serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Department for the Office of Public Affairs. Hahn joins the Department after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications for Senator Hagerty. Prior to the Senate, Hahn served in the first Trump White House over all four years, most recently as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy White House Communications Director. Before that, she served as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Rapid Response and Surrogate Operations. Hahn has also worked in media as the Executive Producer of The Laura Ingraham Show and a reporter at Breitbart News. She also worked on Capitol Hill as Press Secretary to former Congressman Dave Brat. Hahn graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA in Philosophy.

    Clark Milner is serving as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Policy, focusing primarily on domestic policy. Milner formerly served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Chief Counsel to Senator Bill Hagerty. Milner previously served as Deputy Counsel to Governor Bill Lee.

    Natalie McIntyre currently serves a Special Assistant to the President for the Office of Legislative Affairs where she handles the Healthcare, Education, Labor, Banking, and Agriculture portfolio. Previously, she was Senator Hagerty’s Legislative Director overseeing the legislative team and managing the Health, Education, Labor, Pension, and Veterans portfolio. Prior to her role in Hagerty’s office, she was part of the legislative office at OMB where she managed the Senate offices. She also served as a Senior Policy Advisor and White House liaison at ONDCP.

    Nels Nordquist
    is serving as Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Policy and DD of NEC.Nordquist was Senior Fellow for Economic Policy in the office of Senator Hagerty. From October 2022 through January 2025, he served as Staff Director for the National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. From 2018-2021, Nordquist worked in the National Security Council and National Economic Council, first as Director for Trade & Investment and later as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for International Economic Policy. Nordquist graduated from Stanford and earned an MBA from the University of Virginia.

    Joel Rayburn is the Trump Administration’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. He is a historian, former diplomat, and retired military officer who previously served as special advisor for Middle East affairs in the office of Senator Hagerty. Rayburn is currently a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. In the first Trump Administration, he served as a senior director on the National Security Council staff and, from July 2018 to January 2021, as the U.S. special envoy for Syria. Before joining the State Department, Rayburn served 26 years as a US Army officer and co-authored the Army’s official history of the Iraq War. He holds an MA in history from Texas A&M University and an MS in strategic studies from the National War College.

    Kevin Kim is the State Department’s China Coordinator and the Deputy Assistant Secretary for China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Taiwan. Prior to the State Department, Kim worked as a national security fellow for Senator Hagerty. Kim was also the Senior Advisor to the Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea as part of the U.S. delegation to the 2020 U.S.-Russia arms control negotiations.  From 2018 to 2020, he served as the Chief of Staff to the Special Representative for North Korea and the Deputy Secretary of state Stephen Biegun and participated in various rounds of U.S.-DPRK nuclear negotiations. Kim received a BA from the Johns Hopkins University, MA from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in International Relations from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

    Walton Stivender Mears has taken on a new role as scheduler for Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner. Mears joined HUD last month after serving as Director of Scheduling for Senator Hagerty. She previously handled scheduling and assisted the chief of staff for Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and as a Staff Assistant for Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL). Mears is an Auburn University graduate from Birmingham, Alabama.

    J. Cal Mitchell is serving as the Special Assistant at the U.S. Department of Treasury. He joins the Treasury Department after serving as Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty. Mitchell is a native of Atlanta, Georgia and is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College.

    Nick Checker, a national security fellow for Senator Hagerty in 2023, currently serves as Deputy Executive Secretary on the National Security Council. In that role, Checker provides senior-level review of NSC products for substance, policy relevance, and appropriateness for the President and senior White House officials. Checker has spent the last decade at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as a military analyst covering conflicts in the greater Middle East. Most recently, Checker worked in CIA’s office of Congressional Affairs, where he supported the confirmation process for Director John Ratcliffe. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Security Studies from Georgetown University.

    Nicholas Elliot is the Acting Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Elliot serves as the chief advisor to the CFTC Chairman on matters before the U.S. Congress and as the Commission’s official liaison with Congressional members, federal agencies, and the Administration. Previously, Elliot spent nearly four years working for Senator Hagerty on the Senator’s financial services and banking portfolio, where he advanced the Senator’s work on the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Elliot is a graduate of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business where he received a BS in Business Administration with a major in Finance and a minor in Mandarin.

    Taylor Asher serves as Chief Policy Advisor of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force and is a Senior Policy Advisor to SEC Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda. From April 2023 to January 2025, Asher served as Policy Advisor and Confidential Assistant to Commissioner Uyeda. Prior to his time at the SEC, Asher was Personal Aide to Senator Hagerty. His tenure in public service began with Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s Office, where he served as Staff Assistant and Intern Manager. Asher is currently pursuing a Master of Economics at George Mason University. He holds a Master of Finance with an Energy Specialization as well as a Bachelor of Science in Management from Tulane University. He is originally from Nashville, Tennessee.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Raises Alarms on Trump Tariffs Slapping Higher Prices on Wisconsin Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WATCH: Senator Baldwin delivers remarks ahead of Trump tariff announcement

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s plan to impose reciprocal tariffs and 10% minimum across the board tariffs that promise to raise costs on Wisconsin businesses and consumers.

    “Donald Trump promised to lower prices for Wisconsinites on Day 1, but it’s been 72 days and families are still facing soaring costs. Now, Donald Trump’s trade war is set to jack up the price of virtually everything from the grocery store and gas pump to buying a home and car,” said Senator Baldwin. “I agree that we need to address trade cheats like China, bring back Made in America manufacturing, and level the playing field for workers, but Donald Trump’s reckless plan is not going to do that. These across-the-board tariffs are going to mean higher costs for Wisconsin families and start a trade war that will increase input costs for farmers and manufacturers and cut off international markets they can sell to.”

    On Wednesday afternoon, President Trump announced he would impose a 10 percent minimum tariff on all trading partners as well as double-digit “reciprocal” tariffs on dozens of other countries. The reciprocal tariffs will apply to around 60 countries including the European Union, China, the United Kingdom and India. Imports from Canada and Mexico will still face 25% tariffs.

    On Monday, Senator Baldwin sent a letter to President Trump outlining the details of her wishes for a trade agenda that centers workers, stands up to trade cheats like China, and grows the American manufacturing sector. Instead of jacking up costs on consumers, Senator Baldwin’s plan aims to rebuilding American manufacturing and level the playing field for Wisconsin workers, including:

    • Advocating for a Complete Reimagining of Relationship with People’s Republic of China (PRC): The plan calls for revising our trade relationship with China. By allowing China to join the World Trade Organization, the United States opted to treat China like a market economy. China’s non-market practices, rampant abuses of labor and human rights, and government-sponsored trade cheating call for a complete rethinking of our economic relationship, including Permanent Normal Trade Relations.
    • Review & Revise Free Trade Agreements: Baldwin calls for reviewing and revising each of the United States’ 14 free trade agreements with 20 countries, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), to ensure the best outcomes for American workers.
    • Strengthen Trade Enforcement Mechanisms: Baldwin looks to strengthen trade enforcement mechanisms to curb cheating and manipulation by foreign countries. Baldwin identifies bipartisan legislation, such as the Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act to strengthen trade remedies, Fighting Trade Cheats Act to empower private companies to hold bad actors accountable, and efforts that can be addressed by executive action, like closing the de minimis loophole, which results in lost tariff revenue and the importing of counterfeit products and contraband drugs like fentanyl.
    • Support for Workers Who Lost Jobs Due to Short-Sighted Policies of the Past: Baldwin also calls for the strengthening and reauthorization of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) to provide critical support for American workers who lose their jobs due to the short-sighted policies of the past, so those workers can access job training benefits and quickly return to the workforce.

    Senator Baldwin delivering video remarks on this announcement is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Liberates Money From American Wallets

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    The president promised to drastically lower prices on day one; he’s done the opposite and hit families with a new round of tariff taxes.

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

    Washington, D.C.—Today, U.S Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement:

    “Trump’s declaration that he ‘couldn’t care less’ if his damaging tariffs cause prices to go up is a mighty big reversal from his promise to bring down prices ‘drastically.’ His ‘Liberation Day’ only liberates dollars from Americans’ wallets with the added danger of liberating many entrepreneurs from failed businesses as tariffs spike costs. Trump’s tariffs for all represent a big tax hike for all Americans to pay. Americans will not be fooled by repeated Administration claims that tariffs are tax cuts.

    “Not seen since Senator Smoot and Representative Hawley pursued a similar disastrous path leading to the Great Depression has any president pursued such a crusade of protectionism that now has us barreling toward recession. 

    “Trump and Republicans are scheming to finance trillions in tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations. Their reckless actions further isolate us from our trading allies and help lay the groundwork for tax giveaways that the average family will never see but only help finance.” 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Doggett, Davis, Kelly, Feenstra Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Financial Assistance for College

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Danny K. Davis (D-IL), ranking member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support, Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax, and Randy Feenstra (R-IA) introduced the bipartisan Tax-Free Pell Grants Act to remove a financial and logistical barrier impairing students from securing higher education opportunities. Specifically, the legislation expands the usage of Pell Grants on a tax-free basis, improves coordination with the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), and ensures students do not lose out on any AOTC benefits. An incredibly timely solution as ongoing cuts to postsecondary institutions and research labs across the country result in lost revenue and financial gaps in operating costs, potentially leading to increases in tuition and fees for students and their families.

    “Everyone deserves a chance at success, and we should be simplifying our tax code to unlock more support for students interested in going to college but who may need a little financial help to get there,” said Rep. Doggett. “This legislation would also expand eligible expenses under the existing tax credit to include computers and childcare, which for many is essential to achieving their dreams and growing our economy.”

    “Education is fundamental to our democracy,” said Rep. Davis. “I am proud to join Representatives Doggett, Kelly, and Feenstra in leading this bill that helps low-income students get the most from the American Opportunity Tax Credit. In my District, relatively few taxpayers use the AOTC because many attend community colleges and can’t claim their childcare and computer costs. Ensuring that students can fully benefit from the AOTC credit without worry about being taxed on the Pell grant helps educate our citizenry and strengthen them economically.” 

    “Pell Grants are an important way for more lower-income Americans to get an education and work toward a successful career,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Tax. “More than 216,000 Pennsylvania students benefitted from Pell Grants last year. I’m again proud to join Congressman Doggett on this bipartisan legislation that will expand what these grants can be used for – including child care and computers — so many more Americans, particularly single mothers, have the ability to access higher education to achieve long-term financial stability for themselves and their families.”

    “I have long supported Pell Grants because they offer academic opportunities to our students and ensure that Iowans who might otherwise skip higher education because of the cost can pursue advanced studies. These grants are an important investment in the next generation of leaders, farmers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will support our communities and power our economy forward,” said Rep. Feenstra. “However, current law still requires some students to pay taxes on their Pell Grants, reducing the financial support that these grants are intended to provide. That’s why I’m glad to help introduce legislation to make Pell Grants completely tax-free so that our kids can focus on their studies without worrying about the cost.”

    While Pell Grant awards used to pay for tuition and fees are already treated as tax-free income, any portion of a Pell Grant used for other education-related items like living expenses is taxed. Currently, using Pell Grants to cover tuition reduces potential AOTC eligibility and creates complications for students in maximizing their educational benefits. As a result, many students simply forgo the AOTC, leaving an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars unclaimed each year. By increasing compatibility with the AOTC, we can ensure that Pell Grants are not treated as taxable income, even if they are used for non-tuition education expenses.

    Since enacted in 2009, the AOTC has helped millions pay for college, and more than a decade ago, Rep. Doggett authored provisions to ensure the tax credit allows a tax cut of up to $10,000 on education expenses, such as tuition, textbooks and fees. The AOTC covers up to $2,500 in annual college tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses — 40% of the credit, up to $1,000, is refundable. With more than 3 million undergraduate students in the United States being parents—nearly one in five college students—access to affordable childcare can be the difference between completing a degree program or not. The Tax-Free Pell Grants Act meets this need by adding childcare and computer costs as qualifying expenses for the AOTC.

    Endorsing organizations: American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Council on Education, Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

    The bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT welcomes wider ANZAC Day recognition of service

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT’s Defence Spokesperson Mark Cameron is welcoming the first reading passage of the ANZAC Day Amendment Bill, which expands recognition to New Zealanders who served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations after the Vietnam War, saying it reflects how many Kiwis already commemorate the day.

    “Every year at dawn services across the country, people stand in silence not just for Gallipoli, but for those who served in East Timor, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan – and many other places where New Zealanders have done their duty without fanfare,” says Cameron.

    “These brave men and women served overseas, many in dangerous and difficult circumstances. Some came home changed. Some did not come home at all.

    “They stood for the same values as those as those who went before them, and they deserve to be recognised just the same.

    “It is a good move, and one that will mean a lot to the people who have quietly carried the weight of service without full recognition.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following burglary, Te Awamutu

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith

    Police are seeking witnesses following a burglary at a service station in Te Awamutu on earlier this week.

    About 2.40am on 1 April, Police were called to Ohaupo Road, where a group of people had unlawfully gained entry to the premises.

    A number of items were taken from inside the service station before the alleged offenders fled the scene in two vehicles stolen from Hamilton earlier in the evening.

    One of the vehicles crashed down a bank into a stream off Mutu Street, which Police were alerted to by a member of the public several hours later.

    The vehicle has been removed to be forensically examined, and a number of items of stolen property were located inside. Police are still seeking the second vehicle.

    We would like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Te Awamutu area in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

    In particular, we would like to speak with anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage of a blue Mazda Demio and a grey Nissan Tida between 2am and 3am on Ohaupo Road, between Cambridge Road and Mutu Street.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference the file number 250401/2703.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First step towards honouring more veterans on Anzac Day

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Legislation to formally recognise the service of more New Zealanders as part of official Anzac Day commemorations has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Veterans Minister Chris Penk and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith say.

    “Anzac Day is a significant anniversary for New Zealanders, where we reflect on the costs of service and sacrifice. It is our opportunity to honour those who have served, some of whom gave their lives for our country,” Mr Penk says. 

    “The Anzac Day Act enshrines in law that we will remember them. Yet, because it does not acknowledge conflicts after 1966, many New Zealanders who have served with great courage in the following decades remain unrecognised under current legislation. 

    “While April 25 marks the day our soldiers set foot on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, Anzac Day has long become an anniversary of remembrance for those who served beyond the First and Second World Wars. It’s past time that this is reflected in the law. 

    “Once the Bill passes, Anzac Day will officially commemorate all those who have served New Zealand in wars and war-like situations. This will include those who have given non-military service, such as the Home Guard and members of the Merchant Navy. 

    “In addition, the Bill will be amended to encompass other troops who took part in the landing at Gallipoli, including those from India and France. At present the Anzac Day Act only recognises troops from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.”

    “New Zealanders deeply appreciate the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of servicemen and women – past and present. Anzac Day stands as a powerful tribute to their service,” Mr Goldsmith says.

    “Today’s service personnel carry forward a long and proud tradition. It’s time for overdue change – every New Zealander who has served in war and war-like conflicts deserves official recognition and honour. Anzac Day is the right moment to acknowledge them.”

    The Anzac Day Amendment Bill is expected to be passed in time for Anzac Day 2026.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Build Back Better: Central Sulawesi’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    Build Back Better: Central Sulawesi’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)

    In September 2018, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, triggering tsunami, landslides, and liquefaction.

    Thousands of lives were lost, and critical transport infrastructure were damaged.

    In June 2019, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the $297.75 million Emergency Assistance for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project.

    Supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Internasional Trade, the project aims to rebuild key public works and transport infrastructure.

    Sumarno, Head Department of Transportation Central Sulawesi Province
    After the earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction, the economic impact has been severe. 
    Ports, airports, and other infrastructure are in a state of disrepair, causing significant disruptions to economic activity.Following the recovery efforts, economic factors have picked up, encouraging people to engage in various activities around the port and Palu City.

    The project rehabilitated and reconstructed three ports and an airport to disaster-resilient standards with gender responsive and inclusive features.

    Donggala Port, which serves both passengers and cargo, projected to become a key logistics and passenger hub in Indonesia’s eastern region.

    Wani Port is a multipurpose port that supports agriculture, livestock transport, and government ships.

    Meanwhile, Pantoloan Port is an important gateway for the economy in Donggala and Central Sulawesi, handling various types of cargo and passenger ships.

    Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport, the largest in Central Sulawesi, is the main gateway to Palu and its surrounding areas.

    Yandi Hermawan, Branch Manager PT Dharma Lautan Utama Palu Branch 
    Compared to the old terminal, our passengers are very enthusiastic about the new Donggala Port terminal. The facilities are quite comprehensive, including air-conditioned rooms and seating area. Our passengers have also shown greater comfort at the Donggala passenger terminal.

    Alexander Allokendek, Head Palu Bay Port Authority 
    When it was built, we set a standard that accessibility for disabilities is crucial. In Donggala Port, we have tracking systems and accessible toilets, as well as proper signage. We also assist passengers all the way to the ship and back.

    Rudi Richardo, Airport Head Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport 
    Regarding gender aspects, such as nursery areas and others, these remain a focus in the rehabilitation and reconstruction project. For the disability aspect, this has already been implemented at the airport, enabling persons with disabilities to carry out their activities independently.

    Elias Katapi, Traveler with Disability
    As a person with visual impairments, there are now tactile blocks that allow us to navigate independently.

    Irmansyah, Traveler with Disability
    Before the renovation, there was no access at all for wheelchair users inside the toilet; the door was too narrow, so it was impossible to use a wheelchair. Now, it is more accessible, allowing wheelchair users to move freely from the entrance to the inside.

    With strong collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and the local government, the project became fully operational in 2024.

    Former President Joko Widodo inaugurated several of them that same year.

    The project’s implementation follows ADB safeguards to ensure compliance with social and environmental impact standards.

    Idrus, Shop Owner Donggala Port
    When there was a plan for port construction, we were invited by the local government for relocation, and we also had several meetings with AECOM, so the relocation process went smoothly.

    Twenty-nine affected shop owners in the port area were relocated to the nearby temporary sites to continue their businesses.

    The affected shop owners will move to the permanent relocation site in front of the constructed Donggala Port in early 2025.

    For airport rehabilitation, tenants relocated to temporary sites have been returned to the terminal to continue their business.

    Cici, Shop Manager Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport
    Currently, everyone who was relocated has returned to their respective cafeterias upstairs. Because the air is cool inside, the place gets a lot of customers. During the relocation process,the cafeteria sellers were also given consultations by the airport authorities to ensure everything went smoothly.

    Both temporary sites in Donggala Port and Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport were completed with associated facilities: electricity, water, and disposal.

    The rehabilitation and reconstruction of these key transportation infrastructure symbolize recovery.

    It highlights the power of collaboration and commitment.

    Together, we are not just recovering; we are building stronger, more inclusive features.

    We are building back better. 

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne

    doublelee/Shutterstock

    The proportion of motorbikes on Australia’s roads has remained steady over the last decade, about 4.5% of all registered vehicles. But motorcyclists are over-represented in road deaths.

    In 2015, they made up 17% of total road fatalities. In 2024, this has crept up to 21%.

    Meanwhile, other road users have either maintained a steady proportion of road fatalities or – in the case of car passengers – declined since 2015.

    So, less than one in 20 vehicles is a motorbike. But one in five people killed in a road crash rides one. What’s going on – and can they be made safer?

    Why are motorcyclists more vulnerable?

    On a motorbike, people lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. This makes them more vulnerable to injuries, including to the head, chest and – most commonly – legs and feet.

    Road conditions can also make a significant difference to motorcyclists. With only two points of contact with the road, motorbikes have less stability than four-wheeled vehicles.

    Even minor defects – such as potholes, uneven road surfaces or gravel – can reduce traction, cause skidding or lead to a loss of control, particularly when cornering.

    For example, a 2022 study of 188 motorcycle crash sites in Victoria showed sharper curves were linked to a higher risk of crashing. A study of over 1,400 motorcycle crashes in Tasmania from 2013-16 found road surface defects were a contributing factor to 15% of all crashes, and 24% of single-vehicle crashes.

    Age and experience also play a role

    In a car, a driver’s greater experience level is linked to greater safety. Evidence shows this may be particularly important for motorcycle riders as they manoeuvre and balance their vehicle and respond to road conditions.

    The Tasmanian study also showed young riders aged between 16 and 25 were disproportionately at risk. They accounted for just 11% of registered motorcycles but 42% of motorcycle crashes.

    Their crash rate was more than three times that of riders aged 26–39 – and six times higher than riders over 40. They made up more than half of all incidents on curves.

    Alarmingly, nearly a third of riders who died on South Australian roads between 2016 and 2020 were unlicensed.

    People on motorbikes lack the structural protection of an enclosed vechicle.
    Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock

    Can motorbikes be made safer?

    Modern cars have passive safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, to reduce injuries. Technology – including collision avoidance systems and advanced braking – has also reduced fatality rates for drivers and passengers.

    In contrast, motorbikes rely almost entirely on a rider’s skill, protective gear and the road conditions.

    In recent years, motorcycle manufacturers have been introducing “advanced rider assistance systems”. These adapt similar features used in cars, such as adaptive cruise control (which adjusts speed and distance from vehicles ahead) and forward collision warnings.

    However, these systems are still relatively new, and whether they can reduce crashes and fatalities is yet to be robustly studied.

    Many motorcyclists are also hesitant to adopt these kinds of technologies due to concerns they may lose control or become over-reliant on them. Cost is also a factor, as rider assistance systems are still mostly limited to premium motorcycles.

    Safety is everyone’s responsibility

    Currently, motorbike riders continue to rely on infrastructure quality, rider training and skills, risk awareness, and protective gear as their primary safety measures.

    Stronger regulation and enforcement of licensing, in conjunction with post-licence training, have been shown to help reduce motorcycle fatalities.

    This includes implementing a graduated licensing system, which imposes restrictions on novice riders and gradually lifts them as they gain experience and maturity.

    Post-licence rider training courses on defensive riding strategies (such as lane positioning, scanning and buffering) could be complements to basic licensing processes.

    And let’s not forget: safety is not solely in the hands of motorbike riders.

    An analysis of more than 5,000 two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in the United States found the motorcyclist was at fault in less than one in three cases.

    Educating drivers of other vehicles matters just as much as motorcyclists themselves. Creating safer roads depends on mutual awareness and responsibility.

    Sharing the road responsibly means drivers should:

    • regularly check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles, especially before changing lanes or turning

    • maintain a safe following distance, understanding that riders may need to swerve to avoid hazards like oil, gravel or potholes

    • allow the same space when overtaking a motorcycle as they would a car

    • stay alert for lane filtering — where riders legally travel between lanes of slow or stationary traffic at low speeds.

    Recognising motorcyclists as vulnerable road users, alongside pedestrians and cyclists, is key to making roads safer for everyone.

    Milad Haghani does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer – https://theconversation.com/in-australia-1-in-5-road-deaths-is-a-motorcyclist-we-can-make-them-safer-250652

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul, Barr, Moolenaar Reintroduce FIGHT China Act to Safeguard U.S. Investment from Fueling CCP Aggression

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas), — chairman emeritus of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs — alongside Congressman Andy Barr (R-Ky.), and Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between Chinese Communist Party John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to prevent American capital from financing the Chinese Communist Party’s military buildup, technological dominance, and human rights abuses.

    The Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act establishes a comprehensive outbound investment screening regime that protects the savings and retirement accounts of hardworking Americans. The bill creates targeted restrictions to ensure U.S. investors are not unwittingly financing the CCP’s military and surveillance capabilities. 

    “The Chinese Communist Party will stop at nothing to prop up its military and surveillance state. Today, my colleagues and I are taking a critical step to protect U.S. national security by ensuring the CCP cannot exploit U.S. capital as a tool to accomplish those malign efforts,” said Congressman McCaul. “This is a proud moment for America. I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass this bill, which will help the Trump administration continue to defend against the generational threat posed by Communist China.” 

    “The CCP is using American capital to fuel its military ambitions and undermine our security. Under President Trump, we took bold action to counter China, but the Biden Administration failed to keep pace,” said Congressman Barr. “Now, with President Trump back in the White House, I am reintroducing the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act to stop U.S. investments from strengthening our greatest adversary and ensure we put America’s interests first. I look forward to working with President Trump to sign this into law.” 

    “Reintroducing this legislation is a crucial step in stopping American investments from fueling China’s military buildup and technological ambitions. The CCP has long leveraged U.S. capital to advance its agenda, compromising our national security,” said Congressman Moolenaar. I’m proud of the bipartisan efforts that resulted in this legislation last year, and I look forward to building on this legislation alongside the Trump administration to make outbound investment restrictions law and protect our national security. We must halt the flow of American capital to the CCP and safeguard our future from foreign threats.”

    “As the ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continue, Congress is taking a significant step to safeguard American economic interests and protect national security,” said Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. “President Trump has made clear the past few decades of investments propping up Chinese aggression must come to an end. The introduction of the Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act is an important step to protect our nation’s long-term investments, and we look forward to working with President Trump and his administration to uphold American leadership and maintain a strong, unified position against the CCP’s threats.” 

    Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen Demands Answers about ICE Enforcement Policies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    Has not received substantive response six weeks after questions to Secretary Noem on who is being detained, and why

    MEMPHIS – Six weeks after his initial request, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today renewed his demand for information about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, priorities and transparency from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Earlier today, the Trump Administration asked the Supreme Court to consider the challenge to the deportations of Venezuelans accused without evidence of being members of a terrorist gang.

    Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

    “It is unacceptable that my letter seeking information about people being detained and deported by ICE has been ignored for six weeks while the District court seeking the same information has been treated with contempt by Trump Administration lawyers. The American public wants clarity on who is being rounded up, and why, after clear indications many were victims of careless errors. I demand that my questions be answered.”

    Congressman Cohen’s original February 13 letter reads in part:

    “I believe it is essential to focus our limited interior enforcement resources on apprehending and deporting those who are most disruptive to our communities, especially violent criminals. In your public statements, you appear to agree with that sentiment and describe your agency’s focus on the ‘worst of the worst.’ However, there have been conflicting reports about who Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is detaining, and I would appreciate clarification. 

    “ICE has not released comprehensive data for its apprehensions and removals this year. The limited data points that have been posted on social media do not indicate any prior criminal offenses.”

    The letter then asks Secretary Noem to answer a series of questions about the apprehension of unauthorized migrants; whether they had been convicted of violent crimes and, if so, in what jurisdictions; how many have been sent to Guantanamo Bay and, of those, which had prior convictions for violent crimes, and in which jurisdictions. 

    See that letter here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: PASSED: Kustoff Bill to Replace Checks Stolen in the Mail Passed by the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives unanimously passed, H.R. 1155, the Recovery of Stolen Checks Act, introduced by Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Terri Sewell (D-AL). This bipartisan legislation would give victims of mail theft the option to receive their payment from the Department of Treasury electronically.
     
    Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff remarks during debate or read them as prepared below:
    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 
     
    And I do want to thank Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) for his leadership on this issue and this important piece of legislation, as well as the leadership of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Terri Sewell (D-AL). 
     
    Over the last several years, the number of government checks stolen from the mail has increased dramatically. 
     
    If I could, I would like to share a few statistics: 

    • Between 2019 and 2022 there was an 87% increase in theft from mailboxes, according to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
    • According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), reports of check fraud doubled from 2021 to 2022.
    • FinCen’s most recent report on check fraud (published September 2024) found that between February to August 2023, the bureau received 15,417 individual reports about mail theft-related check fraud.

    This has been an ongoing problem in my district in West Tennessee, as it has been throughout the country. It is well past time that we get mail theft in the United States under control.
     
    That starts with giving federal law enforcement officers the tools and resources they need to detect, investigate, and prosecute the criminals behind these thefts.
     
    We also have to ensure that victims of mail theft are taken care of, and that they can access timely relief.

    That’s why this bill H.R. 1155, the Recovery of Stolen Checks Act, is so important.
     
    Right now, it can take up to four months for the IRS to issue a replacement for a stolen check. That’s a long time. 
     
    And due to the sheer frequency of mail theft that is happening right now, many taxpayers are having their replacement checks get stolen as well. 
     
    This is truly unacceptable – and outdated IRS regulations are partially to blame.
     
    Frankly, the IRS’s current process makes no sense.
     
    It exacerbates check fraud, it creates more bureaucratic hurdles for U.S. taxpayers, and it ultimately makes it more difficult for Americans to access their hard-earned dollars.
     
    For many American families, a delay in getting their tax refund has the potential to cause serious financial strain. 
     
    The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act will give victims of mail theft the option to receive their replacement payment through direct deposit, instead of having to risk mailing another check.
     
    This is a simple fix that will help expedite relief to affected taxpayers, keep government checks out of the hands of criminals, and ultimately make our government more efficient.
     
    I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation which passed out of the Ways and Means Committee unanimously by a vote of 41 to 0.
     
     
    The Recovery of Stolen Checks Act passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Ways and Means on February 12, 2025. Click here for the full text of the bill. 
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: PASSED: Kustoff Bill to Help Americans Recover from Natural Disasters Passed by the House of Representatives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative David Kustoff (TN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 517, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, that was introduced by Reps. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Judy Chu (D-CA). This bipartisan legislation will provide relief to taxpayers impacted by natural disasters and emergencies. 

    Click here to watch Congressman Kustoff’s remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives. 
     
    “When disaster strikes, victims should be focused on rebuilding, recovering, and caring for their loved ones. They should not have to worry about complying with bureaucratic red tape from the IRS,” said Congressman Kustoff. “I am proud to see the House of Representatives pass my bill, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act. This commonsense legislation will make much needed changes to the tax code and ensure communities have the flexibility they need to start the recovery process.”

    “A slow Washington bureaucracy should not stand in the way of recovery after a hurricane, tornado, or other natural disaster destroys a community. Victims of such catastrophes should be able to have their tax filing deadlines postponed regardless of whether the federal or state government declares a disaster first. I want to thank Representative Kustoff for putting forward a common-sense idea that helps the people of West Tennessee and all Americans hit by a natural disaster,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO). 
     
    Background:
    Currently, the U.S. Department of Treasury has the authority to postpone tax filing deadlines to taxpayers affected by federally-declared disasters. However, this does not extend to state-level emergencies. The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act would authorize the Treasury, in consultation with FEMA, to extend relief to impacted taxpayers as soon as the governor of a state declares a disaster or state of emergency. This legislation would also expand the current mandatory extension following a federally-declared disaster declaration from 60 to 120 days.

    The Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Ways and Means on February 26, 2025. Click here to read the full text of the bill.
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Market – The next upturn is slowly building – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand rose by +0.5% in March, after a +0.4% lift in February, and a flat result for January. The latest figures confirm that the market is now into its next phase of growth, on the back of lower interest rates and improved affordability after the previous value falls.

    March’s rise on the CoreLogic hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) was the strongest since January last year. Property values are now sitting at $812,195, the highest since June 2024 ($818,649). However, values are still down by 16.3% compared to the previous January 2022 peak.

    Around the main centres, Ōtepoti Dunedin (-0.1%) and Tauranga (0.0%) were still a bit more subdued in March, but Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington saw a +0.3% rise, with Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland up by +0.6%, Ōtautahi Christchurch +0.8%, and Kirikiriroa Hamilton at +0.9%.
     
    CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said that March’s result simply builds on the previous month’s rise, signalling the next phase in NZ’s property market has begun.

    “The falls in mortgage rates since around July or August last year were always going to take a little bit of time to flow through to house prices, given the weak economic environment and subdued household confidence,” he said.

    “The abundance of listings has been an extra limiting factor for property values, while some households on higher fixed interest rates from a year or two ago have also had to be patient before seeing their debt repayments drop.”

    “But the lags have now worked their way through the system and, with signs becoming clearer that the economy has started to turn a corner, confidence is returning to the property market.”

    “That said, a fresh boom in house prices seems unlikely, given additional restraints that are now in place, such as caps on debt-to-income ratios for mortgage lending.”

    “Undoubtedly, this cautious outlook will be welcomed by aspiring buyers who may have been concerned about property values rising beyond their reach again, provided that they can navigate the new credit rules in the first place.”

    Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

    March was a stronger month across the board in Tāmaki Makaurau, with Rodney seeing a +0.3% rise in values, Franklin at +0.5%, and then right up to +0.8% in Papakura, and +0.9% in North Shore.

    Clearer signs of growth are also evident across a broader three-month horizon, with Auckland City, Papakura, and Franklin all up by 1.6% or more so far in 2025.

    Mr Davidson said, “Clearly, Auckland is still a challenging market for some would-be buyers, with affordability pressures lingering. But we’ve been detecting a change in sentiment on the ground across Auckland for a few months now, and this is flowing through to the hard data.”

    Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

    The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area also strengthened in March, albeit there was a relatively minor -0.2% drop in values in Upper Hutt.

    Elsewhere, Lower Hutt and Wellington City rose by +0.3% apiece, with Porirua up by +0.6%, and Kapiti Coast recording a robust increase of +1.4%.

    Some areas are still slightly lower than they were three months ago, but Lower Hutt (+0.6%) and Kapiti Coast (+2.4%) have increased over the year to date.

    “Wellington’s property market has underperformed over the past few years, with the previous boom meaning that some excesses needed to be worked off, and the public sector cutbacks then weighing on values too. But conditions are now turning around in the property market, with some buyers probably finding ‘value’ again.”

    Regional results

    March was also a tale of emerging upturn across nearly all of the key provincial markets, with only Nelson recording a modest -0.1% fall in values. New Plymouth and Invercargill were flat, while Napier, Palmerston North, and Queenstown only saw mild increases of +0.1%.

    But Whangarei and Rotorua were up by +0.5%, and Whanganui topped the charts for these areas with an increase of +0.8% in March. Each of the key regional areas is also higher than December last year, except for Nelson (-0.6%).

    “In the current environment where listings are higher than normal in many parts of the country and some sectors of the economy are yet to rebound, a bit of variability across the provinces is to be expected. But lower interest rates are a significant support, so the outlook for a modest recovery in values this year is likely to be replicated across regional markets too,” added Mr Davidson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump’s Bold Trade Action Draws Praise

    Source: The White House

    Today, President Donald J. Trump made clear to the world that the days of economic surrender are over. After being sold out by career politicians for generations, President Trump is enacting fair trade policies that will restore our workforce, rebuild our economy, and finally put America First.

    The move drew immediate praise:

    Coalition for a Prosperous America Chairman Zach Mottl: “A permanent, universal baseline tariff resets the global trade environment and finally addresses the destructive legacy of decades of misguided free-trade policies. President Trump’s decision to implement a baseline tariff is a game-changing shift that prioritizes American manufacturing, protects working-class jobs, and safeguards our economic security from adversaries like China. This is exactly the type of bold action America needs to restore its industrial leadership. Today’s action will deliver lasting benefits to the U.S. economy and working-class Americans, cementing President Trump’s legacy as one that ushered in a new Golden Age of American industrialization and prosperity.”

    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association SVP of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “For too long, America’s family farmers and ranchers have been mistreated by certain trading partners around the world. President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high-quality, wholesome American beef. NCBA will continue engaging with the White House to ensure fair treatment for America’s cattle producers around the world and optimize opportunities for exports abroad.”

    Steel Manufacturers Association President Philip K. Bell: “President Trump is a champion of the domestic steel industry, and his America First Trade Policy is designed to fight the unfair trade that has harmed American workers and weakened manufacturing in the United States. The recently reinvigorated 232 steel tariffs have already started creating American jobs and bolstering the domestic steel industry. President Trump is working to turn America into a manufacturing powerhouse and the steel tariffs are driving that movement. President Trump’s initial 232 steel tariffs and the historic tax cuts led to investments of nearly $20 billion by steel manufacturers in the United States. Since the revised tariffs took effect, Hyundai Steel announced a $5.8 billion steel mill in Louisiana, demonstrating that the tariffs are working to bring more steel investments and production to the United States. The domestic steel market is stronger when other nations are forced to compete on a level playing field. On a level playing field, American workers can outcompete anyone. We look forward to continuing working with President Trump and his administration to ensure a level playing field for Americans and a robust domestic steel industry that strengthens our national, economic and energy security.”

    Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul: “Today’s trade action prioritizes domestic manufacturers and America’s workers. These hardworking men and women have seen unfair trade cut the ground from beneath their feet for decades. They deserve a fighting chance. Our workers can out-compete anyone in the world, but they need a level playing field to do it. This trade reset is a necessary step in the right direction.”

    National Electrical Contractors Association CEO David Long: “President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that put the electrical industry as a priority, and we recognize his commitment to strengthening our nation’s economy. As these new tariffs take effect, we look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that electrical contractors and the entire electrical industry can continue powering America efficiently while navigating potential cost and supply chain challenges.”

    Bienvenido Empresarios: “As an organization committed to empowering Hispanic Americans and strengthening our nation’s future, Bienvenido supports policies that build a more resilient American economy, safeguard our communities, and reassert U.S. leadership on the global stage. President Trump’s emphasis on using economic leverage — including tariffs — reflects a broader strategy to counter China, confront the deadly fentanyl crisis, and bring critical industries back home. Now is a time for tough, decisive action when national security and American livelihoods are at stake. Our hope is that these measures lead to stronger enforcement, fairer trade, and long-term prosperity for all Americans.”

    America First Policy Institute: “Tariffs worked then—and they’ll work again. Under President Trump, tariffs brought back jobs, lowered inflation, and strengthened national security. It’s not just economic policy—it’s America First in action.”

    Speaker Mike Johnson: “President Trump is sending a clear message with Liberation Day: America will not be exploited by unfair trade practices anymore. These tariffs restore fair and reciprocal trade and level the playing field for American workers and innovators. The President understands that FREE trade ONLY works when it’s FAIR!”

    Gov. Jeff Landry: “Pro Jobs. Pro Business. Pro America.”

    Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “President Trump is acting boldly to put America first. America needs fair and free trade. We can’t allow other countries to keep abusing our workers and job creators. It’s time we had a level playing field. I applaud President Trump’s 100% commitment to Made in America.”

    Sen. Jim Banks: “The decision by President Trump today to impose reciprocal tariffs will be so good for Indiana. … Those are the manufacturing jobs that President Trump is bringing back from overseas.”

    Sen. Bill Cassidy: “The president’s trade agenda can pave the way for stronger trade deals, fairer rules, and real results. I am excited to work with President Trump to make it happen. Louisiana’s workers and families deserve nothing less.”

    Sen. Roger Marshall: “President Donald Trump is fighting for long-term solutions to put America’s farmers and ranchers first.”

    Sen. Ashley Moody: “It’s liberation day in America! Today, @POTUS sent a message to the world that the era of America being taken advantage of is over.”

    Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “President Trump is going to charge foreign countries roughly half of what they *already* charge us to do business. Literally who can argue with this?”

    Sen. Pete Ricketts: “President Trump is delivering on his campaign promises to level the playing field and stand up for the American people. Reciprocal tariffs will ensure equal treatment for American businesses. @POTUS is working to reshore jobs lost overseas and secure our supply chains. He is working to open new markets for our nation’s agriculture products. He is demonstrating to foreign adversaries like China that we will no longer be taken advantage of.”

    Sen. Rick Scott: “The days of the U.S. being taken advantage of by other countries are OVER! Pres. Trump is making it clear that he will ALWAYS put American jobs, manufacturing and our economy first. As Americans, let’s stand with him and support one another by buying products MADE IN AMERICA.”

    Sen. Eric Schmitt: “President Trump is bringing America back. We won’t be ripped off by other countries anymore. We’re bringing back manufacturing, unleashing energy production, and paving the way for prosperity.”

    Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “For too long, other countries have ripped us off with bad trade deals – resulting in American jobs and manufacturing moving overseas. But change is coming. The Golden Age of America’s economy is here. Happy Liberation Day.”

    House Majority Leader Steve Scalise: “The United States and American workers will no longer be ripped off by other countries with unfair trade practices. Thank you President Trump for putting America’s workers and innovators first with reciprocal tariffs that level the playing field and make trade FAIR.”

    House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “For too long, foreign countries have taken advantage of us at the expense of American workers. President @realDonaldTrump says NO MORE.”

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain: “Tariffs work! @POTUS has proven tariffs are an effective tool in achieving economic and strategic objectives. The President’s long-term strategy will pay off.”

    Rep. Elise Stefanik: “I strongly support President Trump’s America First economic policies to strengthen American manufacturing and create millions of American jobs. For too long, Americans have suffered under unfair trade practices putting America Last. We will not allow other countries to take advantage of us and we must put America and the American worker first.”

    Rep. Jason Smith: “America shouldn’t reward countries that discriminate against American workers and manufacturers. On Liberation Day, President Trump is correcting this and demanding fair treatment for American producers.”

    Rep. Mark Alford: “The days of the United States being taken advantage of are OVER. Republicans are putting American workers FIRST.”

    Rep. Jodey Arrington: “For too long, our leaders have allowed other nations to rip us off through numerous unfair trade practices resulting in suppressed wages, lost opportunities, and unrealized economic growth. Just as he did in his first term, President Trump is fighting to ensure an even playing field for our manufacturers, farmers, and workers so we can unleash American prosperity and Make America Great Again.”

    Rep. Brian Babin: “Trump’s tariffs aren’t starting a trade war—they’re ending one. For decades, other countries ripped off American workers with unfair tariffs and barriers. Now, we’re finally fighting back.”

    Rep. Andy Biggs: “Past administrations have allowed the United States to be ripped off by allies and adversaries alike. President Trump said “NO MORE!” The Art of the Deal.”

    Rep. Vern Buchanan: “For too long, unfair trade practices devastated America’s manufacturing base and stole millions of blue-collar jobs. It’s time to level the playing field and bring those jobs back. @POTUS is fighting for American workers.”

    Rep. Michael Cloud: “America-First means putting the American people first. We will no longer be taken advantage of as a nation and people.”

    Rep. Andrew Clyde: “For far too long, the U.S. has been ripped off by countries across the globe with unfair trade practices. Now, we’re finally leveling the playing field. THANK YOU, President Trump, for putting American workers and manufacturing FIRST.”

    Rep. Mike Collins: “This is fair. Whether it’s our military or economy, other countries have taken advantage of the U.S. for far too long. That time is over.”

    Rep. Chuck Edwards: “Many countries are taking advantage of the United States by imposing tariffs against us while we don’t have reciprocal tariffs against them. @POTUS has used tariffs to produce successful trade deals for us in his first term, and I support his plan to use them again to create a more level playing field and secure fairer trade deals for America. The quicker other countries agree to fairer trade deals, the quicker the tariffs can end.”

    Rep. Scott Franklin:“For years the US handcuffed itself and played nice while other countries imposed massive tariffs and took advantage of us. We’re done putting America last. @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ending trade imbalances and prioritizing American workers and manufacturing again!”

    Rep. Russell Fry: “HAPPY LIBERATION DAY. Thanks to @POTUS, America is DONE being taken advantage of. A new era has begun.”

    Rep. Lance Gooden: “For decades, Washington allowed Texans to be ripped off by foreign countries. Those days are now over. @POTUS is committed to making America wealthy again!”

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: “If you want to do business in America, you need to play by our rules. For too long, American businesses, big and small, have been ripped off by bad trade deals and unfair competition. President Trump is putting a stop to it. He’s standing up for our workers, our companies, and our consumers.”

    Rep. Abe Hamadeh: “The America First Republican party is the party of the working class, the forgotten men and women. On this Liberation Day, we further our commitment to them, that we will reshore our manufacturing, restore fair trade, and rebuild the greatest economy in the world.”

    Rep. Pat Harrigan:“If you want access to the most powerful economy in the world, treat us fairly. If not, don’t expect a free ride. That’s real leadership and @POTUS is delivering it!”

    Rep. Andy Harris: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will put the American worker first and bring fairness back to international trade. America is being respected again.”

    Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “President Trump is bringing back the American Dream. Our taxpayers have been ripped off by foreign countries for far too long, but those days are over. President Trump is right to impose these reciprocal tariffs.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins: “@POTUS’ trade agenda puts American industry and America first. I support the President’s action to protect our domestic producers.”

    Rep. Wesley Hunt: “Today, President Trump empowered the American middle class.  His policies on tariffs will bring automotive manufacturing back to America.”

    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: “Since President Trump has been elected, we’ve attracted $5 trillion in private investment, foreign & domestic companies have announced Made in USA manufacturing, countries have reduced tariffs or changed foreign policies. President Trump is sticking up for American workers & farmers, repatriating our supply chain and protecting our national security.”

    Rep. Addison McDowell: “My district was hit hard over the years by unfair trade deals. Finally, we have a President who wants to put the American worker FIRST.”

    Rep. Mary Miller: “America will no longer be taken advantage of! This is how you put America First.”

    Rep. Riley Moore: “For decades, foreign countries have enjoyed free access to the greatest consumer marketplace on the face of the planet, all while still charging our domestic producers hefty duties or imposing significant barriers to access their markets. Today that ends. President Trump is the only president in my lifetime to acknowledge how unfair trade has gutted the heartland and shipped countless jobs overseas. By finally reciprocating in-kind, we’ll force foreign competitors to the negotiating table, lower trade barriers, and ultimately create real free and fair trade across the board. I’m confident this move will boost our domestic manufacturing industry and fuel demand for American products across the globe.”

    Rep. Tim Moore: “President Trump is leveling the playing field for American workers and bringing back MADE IN AMERICA!”

    Rep. Troy Nehls: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs make it clear that our country will not be ripped off anymore. We are bringing back American manufacturing and putting America First.”

    Rep. Ralph Norman: “Happy LIBERATION Day … ✅Protect the American worker ✅Strengthen manufacturing ✅Reduce unfair trade practices … Our economy will be competitive again!!”

    Rep. Andy Ogles: “He’s resetting the negotiating table. He’s resetting the deck here to say, ‘You know what? For too long, you’ve taken advantage of our free market and you’ve literally leached jobs away from the American people … Let’s have a serious conversation and let’s do something that’s fair and mutually beneficial for both sides.’”

    Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: “I fully support President Trump’s critical efforts to right this generational wrong, bring manufacturing jobs home, and rejuvenate American working families. Made in America is back.”

    Rep. John Rutherford: “Tariffs help bring American jobs back home, incentivize buying American, AND put pressure on Canada and Mexico to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants from their countries into ours. Even the Biden Admin kept or increased tariffs that President Trump imposed during his first presidency. Under Trump, inflation stayed around 2% and our GDP grew to 3%. Smart tariffs are a long-term investment in the American economy that are worth the short-term cost.”

    Rep. Greg Steube: “What many fail to realize: Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are a long-overdue response to years of unfair trade policies against America. For decades, America has been ripped off by other countries who have repeatedly slapped tariffs on our goods, blocked our products, and flooded our markets with theirs. The numbers don’t lie–the rest of the world has profited at the expense of American workers and businesses. President Trump is finally putting America First by taking bold, necessary actions that past leaders wouldn’t take.”

    Rep. Marlin Stutzman: “If Australia doesn’t want our beef – WE DON’T WANT THEIRS! Thank you @POTUS for opening the door of fair treatment for America’s Cattlemen”

    Rep. Tom Tiffany: “Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of by foreign countries. The American worker comes FIRST.”

    Rep. William Timmons: “President Trump’s tariffs are a necessary move to protect American workers and rebuild our economy. We are finally breaking free from decades of unfair trade deals that gutted our industries. These tariffs will bring jobs back to our districts, strengthen manufacturing, and ensure our children inherit a country that is not just a consumer, but a producer. Thank you, @POTUS.”

    Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “For far too long, the United States has been taken advantage of by our foreign trade partners. The American people re-elected President Trump to bring back truly fair trade with other countries. Reciprocal tariffs are a first step to have a level playing field for American products and to start bringing back manufacturing to our country!”

    Rep. Daniel Webster: “President @realDonaldTrump is delivering on his mandate to restore America’s economic strength. For too long, unfair trade deals have hollowed out our factories and shipped American jobs overseas. By standing up to bad actors like China and Venezuela and enforcing fair trade, President Trump is defending American industries and putting American workers first.”

    Rep. Tony Wied: “President Trump has made it clear with these reciprocal tariffs that we will no longer allow other countries to take advantage of us. His goal is simple: to bring jobs and manufacturing back to our country and open up foreign markets to American products. If companies want to avoid these tariffs, they will do business in the United States. I applaud the President for taking a stand against years of unfair trade practices and making sure we put American workers and consumers first. It’s time our foreign trading partners finally live up to their end of the bargain.”

    Rep. Roger Williams: “For too long, America Last policies have put the U.S. auto industry at a disadvantage. As a car dealer and small business owner, I support @POTUS’ Executive Order to increase competition, boost revenue, and bring back American jobs.”

    U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer: “Today, President Trump is taking urgent action to protect the national security and economy of the United States. The current lack of trade reciprocity, demonstrated by our chronic trade deficit, has weakened our economic and national security. After only 72 days in office, President Trump has prioritized swift action to bring reciprocity to our trade relations and reduce the trade deficit by leveling the playing field for American workers and manufacturers, reshoring American jobs, expanding our domestic manufacturing base, and ensuring our defense-industrial base is not dependent on foreign adversaries—all leading to stronger economic and national security.”

    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick: “Today, the world starts taking us seriously. Our workforce will finally be treated fairly.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “President Trump signed the Declaration of Economic Independence for the American people. For decades, the trade status quo has allowed countries to leverage tariffs and unfair trade practices to get ahead at the expense of hardworking Americans. The President’s historic actions will level the playing field for American workers and usher in a new age of economic strength.”

    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “FARMERS COME FIRST — @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ensuring American farmers and ranchers can compete globally again!”

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “Thank you, @POTUS! ‘Made in America’ is not just a tagline — it’s an economic and national security priority.”

    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “For too long, America has been targeted by unfair trade practices that made our supply chain dependent on foreign adversaries, eroded our industrial base, and hurt American workers. This has gravely impacted our national security. President Trump’s strong action will help make America safe again. @DHS, primarily through @CBP, is ready to collect these new tariffs and put an end to unfair trade practices. Thank you President @realDonaldTrump for putting America FIRST.”

    Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “Promises made, promises kept”

    Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “President Trump is a businessman; he’s a negotiator. The result of that has been and will continue to be improvements for the American people. We are in the midst of a negotiation, and he is fighting every day to make the cost-of-living conditions better for Americans.”

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: “At the White House this afternoon, we celebrated Liberation Day — setting our economy on the path of future prosperity for our children. Business owners, workers, and taxpayers have been waiting for strong economic leadership. @POTUS’ actions today prove we are done being taken advantage of in international trade.”

    Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum: “President Trump’s Liberation Day reciprocity plan is commonsense. If you tariff us, we’ll tariff you. This will strengthen our economy and make America wealthy again!”

    Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy: “Today is the day we will liberate ourselves from unfair trade practices and outdated ways of thinking. Tariffs are an important tool in the President’s toolbox to stop foreign countries from ripping us off, protect America’s workers, and restore U.S. manufacturing. I stand with @POTUS as he finally levels the playing field. Happy Liberation Day!”

    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “For four years, Americans couldn’t afford groceries, let alone a house. This Liberation Day, @POTUS is bringing manufacturing and jobs back. President Trump is making the American Dream achievable again!”

    Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin: “Massive announcement by @POTUS today restoring U.S. dominance, cementing his America First vision, and Powering the Great American Comeback.”

    Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “Small businesses will no longer be crushed by foreign governments and unfair trade deals. Instead, we will put American industry, workers, and strength FIRST. Thank you @POTUS for bringing back Made in America!”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: “Economic security is national security. Thank you President Trump for putting America first.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Congressman Vicente Gonzalez Floor Speech Condemning Trump Administration’s Unjust Removal of Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez from Military Website

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) delivered a speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about the Trump Administration’s shameful removal of Edinburg hometown hero, U.S. Marine Sergeant Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez, from the Naval History website.  

    Watch the full video on Congressman Gonzalez’s YouTube page.  

    Transcript below:  

    Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of our south Texas war hero, Sergeant Alfredo “Freddie” Gonzalez, a hero who will never be forgotten. 

    Sergeant Gonzalez was killed in action February 4, 1968, and history is clear he was a marine sergeant in charge of a third platoon command near Hue City, Vietnam. His company came under heavy fire for days.  

    Sergeant Gonzalez maneuvered his men and retired fire and personally carried wounded warriors out of harm’s way. He didn’t ask what ethnicity these men were, or religion, or what region of the country they came from. 

    They were all Americans, fighting one of the most atrocious and unpopular wars in our history.  

    Freddie was awarded the medal of honor. Not because he asked for a special privilege or recognition, or job, Freddie was dead.  

    He was recognized by his men for his bravery, for going beyond his call of duty to save other American lives while losing his own.  

    This administration’s appalling efforts to erase history under the disguise of eliminating DEI Has seen no boundaries.  

    Prompting indiscriminate removals of Latinos and women and other minorities from our nation’s archives.  

    Removing the Tuskegee air men who proudly defended our country in Europe during World War II.  

    Removing our Navajo code talk yours who helped us defeat Japan.  

    Removing our most recent and honorable general Colin Powell for god’s sake, for god’s sake, have you no shame? Have you no decency?  

    This is not about eliminating DEI, this is straight up old-fashioned racism against some of the most deserving Americans in our history.  

    And I ask my friends on the other side of the aisle who have worn our uniform and some who have fought for our freedom to stand with me. 

    To stand on the right side of history with the American people and oppose these un-American, unpatriotic policies coming from this administration from folks who never had the gall to serve themselves.  

    Let’s grow a spine in this house and preserve the American values that actually made us great. And I yield back. 

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News